The lawsuit, filed by Bonta alongside attorneys general from 28 other states including Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, alleges Meta violated federal and state consumer protection laws by intentionally engineering addictive features that harmed children's mental and physical health. The states cite violations of COPPA, California's False Advertising Law, and California's Unfair Competition Law. Jury selection is scheduled to begin August 12, 2026, with opening statements on August 18.
Attorneys should monitor this case as a bellwether for state-led consumer protection litigation against social media platforms. The ruling eliminates Meta's best chance to avoid trial and signals the court found sufficient evidence that addiction claims are viable—rejecting Meta's argument that social media addiction lacks scientific recognition. With trial months away, expect discovery disputes and potential settlement discussions as the company faces a jury on claims it knowingly concealed harm to minors.